NEWARK — Bikes will roll free through the streets of the Brick City on Sunday, Sept. 29, showing riders some of Newark’s great sights, like Branch Brook Park, Weequahic Park, the Ironbound, and the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
Organized by Newark nonprofit bike advocacy group Brick City Bike Collective (BCBC), the 16-mile ride will include two route options, a 5-mile family loop circling through the Ironbound, for all riders, then an additional and optional 11-mile route down to Weequahic Park and back, for those looking to go the full distance.
The ride will start at Washington Park at Washington and Broad Streets at 11 a.m., and riders of the full 16 miles will finish back there around 2 p.m. Escorted by members of the Newark Police Department, the ride will take a relaxed pace to welcome cyclists of all abilities to the city’s streets.
After the finish, all are welcome to the official after-party at nearby Newark Community Cycling Center, a few blocks away at Park Place and Rector Street.
Last year, about 250 cyclists rode the tour, the biggest turnout in many years. The group said advance registration and coordination with other local bike groups suggest even more growth this year.
The tour is designed to show riders a variety of areas of the state’s largest city, and also to demonstrate residents’ growing support for cycling as transportation and recreation that’s healthful, safe, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and affordable.
Registration is required and is free; a $5 suggested donation is completely optional and funds the all-volunteer group’s year-round activities. Online registration and further information are available at www.brickcitybikecollective.com. Limited in-person registration will be available at the starting line after 9:30 a.m. as time allows.